Over 100,000 travellers seen for the holidays – immigration bureau

Metro Manila, Philippines – Around 110,000 passengers are expected to travel during the holiday season, the Bureau of Immigration said.

In a press release, Immigration commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said their projections show that passenger tally may exceed pre-pandemic numbers.

Viado said Christmas weekend arrivals averaged 53,000, while departures were reported at 43,000.

Prior to the pandemic in 2020, the immigration recorded daily arrivals at 55,000, with reported departures at 47,000.

The bureau assured travelers of smooth operations during the holidays.

“We have ramped up our operations at major international airports, with additional personnel to maintain a smooth flow of passengers,” said Viado.

Rapid response teams and mobile counters were also activated to ensure efficient processing during the peak season, he said.